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Books

Compiled by: MatildA meikle

But the Girl by Jessica Zhan Mei Yu

August, Penguin, Young Adult Jessica Zhan Mei Yu delivers a beautiful coming-of-age story about the tension between finding your identity and living up to expectations. Girl is finally breaking away from her family. Born on the day her parents immigrated to Australia from Malaysia, she’s excited to carve her own path. But what if this means understanding the people who made you first?

Did I Ever Tell You This? by Sam Neill

Out now, Text Publishing, Memoir National treasure Sam Neill recounts his journey to becoming one our top actors. Written over a few months in 2022, this heart-warming story explores Sam’s trials and triumphs as he starred in some of the biggest blockbusters in the world. This lighthearted book is genuinely funny and entertaining, a must-read for film lovers and book lovers alike.

Holly by Stephen King

Sept, Hodder & Stoughton, Thriller King’s latest page-turner marks the return of his beloved character, Holly Gibney, as she attempts to solve the disappearance of a young girl from a small midwestern town. The courageous detective comes up against two depraved professors in a narrative full of twists and turns. Be prepared for shocks and revelations, right up until the final page.

The Dictionary of Lost Words

September 22 – October 14

Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Esme spends her childhood in the Scriptorium – a converted garden shed in Oxford where her father and a team of lexicographers are gathering words for the very first Oxford English Dictionary. When she finds words that have been neglected by the men, she begins a collection of her own: the Dictionary of Lost Words. statetheatrecompany.com.au

Challengers

September, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Challengers follows the story of Tashi and her husband Art, who finds himself competing against his rival and former best friend in a challenger tennis event after a recent losing streak. Full of humour, tension and passion, Challengers is a must-watch for sports and comedy fans alike. It stars Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor. sonypictures.com

Believe in Magic

Narrated by Jamie Bartlett

This true crime series follows the story of Megan Bhari, a 16-year-old girl who in 2012 launched a charity called Believe in Magic, to grant wishes for seriously ill kids.. However, over the course of seven episodes, Bartlett uncovers a much darker reality involving a web of lies, deceit and secrets as he begins to question the truth behind Megan’s miracle charity. podcasts.apple.com.au

Aug 1-31

SALA Festival

Various locations, SA

Discover the many talented visual artists of South Australia at the 25th SALA Festival, with exhibitions, open studios, workshops and public art tours taking place in more than 600 venues across the state. salafestival.com aug 3-6

Great Barrier Reef Festival

Whitsunday Islands, Qld

The Great Barrier Reef Festival is an annual celebration that showcases the lifestyle and community in Airlie Beach – known as the “heart of the reef.” This four-day festival offers beach parties, workshops and a Coral Sea Marina Lantern Parade. greatbarrierreeffestival. com.au